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Archive for July 16th, 2009

The Davenport Public Library will be “Branching Out” on Friday, July 31 with an appropriate kickoff to construction of the Eastern Avenue Branch Library.

The shovels turning the dirt will serve more than a ceremonial purpose. The shovels will be used to plant a tree on the site to recognize the commitment to create an environmentally friendly library that will serve Davenport for decades to come.

The public is invited to attend the tree planting at 10:30 a.m. Representatives of Davenport city government, state government, the Trustees of the Davenport Public Library and FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library will participate.

A successful public and private collaboration has raised $8.2 million toward the construction of Eastern Avenue Branch Library at 6000 Eastern Avenue The new library is scheduled to open in late 2010.

“As one of the few LEED-certified public libraries in Iowa, the Eastern Avenue Branch will be an important contribution to Davenport in many ways,’’ said LaWanda Roudebush, Director of the Davenport Public Library. “This will truly be a multi-purpose Branch that will not only provide education, recreation and opportunity but also will be an environmentally friendly gathering place for the community. We will be better able to serve the public with expanded library services and technology.’’

The Eastern Avenue Branch Library will seek certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building. The LEED rating system of various levels encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

“Green’’ features of the Eastern Avenue Branch Library will include geothermal heating and cooling, energy efficient design, storm water management to reduce runoff and pollution, day lighting to reduce the use of electric lighting and indoor environmental quality to reduce exposure to chemicals.

Joe Huberty of Engberg Anderson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the primary architect of the project. Bush Construction of Davenport is the general contractor. Both companies employ LEED-accredited professionals who will guide the project toward the goal of LEED certification.

The FRIENDS raised $3.2 million, or 40 percent of the cost of the new branch. The City of Davenport’s portion will be 60 percent of the cost, or approximately $5 million.

The Davenport Public Library – Main Street will be closed on Saturday, July 25 for the Bix 7 Road Race and Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. The Main Street Library will re-open on Monday, July 27 at 12:00 P.M. The Fairmount Street Library will be open normal hours (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) on Saturday.